Level 8

Blaise heard the announcement for how long was left until the Test Phase began; thirty more minutes. He sighed, he'd have to go and watch but he really wasn't interested. He mind was more preoccupied with trying to figure out how the main event would go.

His manager, as usual, had given him strict instructions not to lose this time. This was the premiere of a new gaming tournament, if he came in first his reps would go up indefinitely. This was his opportunity to redeem himself from a failure that had totally taken a toll on his image.

He wondered what most of his fans still saw in him for all the confidence he displayed he definitely didn't feel like he worth anything. But he had to keep smirking, keep showing a certain b*stard that he wasn't affected. He was determined to win this time, and that was all that mattered.

He dragged his mind back to the present and tried to focus on navigating his way to the Gauntlet. Then he spotted one of the many gift shops and decided he might as well get himself something nice. He felt his foot collide with a small object which flew off from the force. Curious, he peered down and could instantly tell it was a tag.

Careless much.

He walked over and went down to inspect it, he held it up, first scoffing at the silver lining at the bottom before eyeing the picture of the owner.

Only players got pictures and Blaise felt nauseated to admit but he'd recognize that shade of red anywhere. It belonged to the runt who challenged him four days ago and would have won if Blaise hadn't gotten serious. He had underestimated the kid at first but luckily he had also been able to keep his head when he realized his mistake.

He rear the name off the tag, "North Rivera. Who a weird name."

'Doesn't matter. Without this he can't compete in the Test Phase and actually become an opponent.' His winning ego told him. He couldn't help the smirk that made I way to his face. Coincidentally, there was a trash can not far off, he moved towards it but paused just as he reached it.

He stared down at the picture knee more, it was oddly striking. A real p.ain looking kid, who seemed like he had nothing going for him, had actually had the guts to challenge the Blaise Fury. He was intrigued and he knew other gamers would be as well.

'Blaise drop it.'

He want to, but it wasn't like he could keep the card on him. But he didn't want to return it either. He let out an annoyed grunt, arm raising a little. What to do, what to do.

"Hey!"

He turned around to see the girl with gold tinted fringes approaching. Oh shit, just his luck, the kid's girlfriend. Her grey eyes looked like the would shoot him down if they could. She snatched the tag from his hand.

"You're the absolute worst, you douchebag." She spat glaring coldly, the outburst gaining some attention. Blaise really didn't need that type of attention.

"Stop yelling, I haven't done anythjng-"

"Shut the heck up, you almost threw my friend's tag in the trash."

"I met it near the trash girlie, be thankful."

"Liar! You're just scared because North nearly beat you. You don't want him to play."

"You don't know what you're saying." He rolled his eyes.

'The Test Phase will commence in twenty-five minutes.' A cheerful voice announced.

Bethany sent a glower Blaise's way as she back away from him, "This isn't over." She said before running off.

He watched until she was out of sight, relieved when he could no longer see her. He hadn't been in the mood to exchange words with anyone that evening but things could have gone worse. If that North Rivera kid did make it past the Test Phase, Blaise made a solemn promise to keep his distance from that one. He had no idea why but he could sense trouble.

~Achievement Unlocked: Mission 'Find the Tag' is Completed!

Bethany met the boys at the foot of the stairs leading to the Glitch Gauntlet. She hastily put the tag around North's neck and pushed him up while explaining what had transpired between she and Fury.

"Believe I had respect for that douche." North spat as he was allowed into the room.

"Stay away from him North."

"Don't have to tell me twice." He replied following following staff member who led him to where he should be.

The Gauntlet was larger than North had expected. Designed like an stadium sorts. Crowds sat in stands waving glow sticks and phone cameras. Cheers and cries of excitement rang through the hall like a thunderstorm. At the center of the room, a large screen was hoisted up with several slightly smaller ones on top facing different directions of the Gauntlet, probably to let the audience view what was happening. Two rows of seats were lined up and diagonally spaced.

On each seat was a tablet controller, large and one of the most uncomfortable to use. North sighed, making his way to join the other Noobies, he just hoped this would be over quickly.

The lights dimmed and all screens flickered to life, showing the image of a young lady with dyed neon pink hair and sparkly green green eyes. She wore a blue suit and her smile was far too bright.

"Hey there Gaming fans from around the world! Welcome to the GGT Test Phase!" A loud cheer followed her statement and she seemed to be even more thrilled, "Are you ready to watch our Noobies battle it out?!" More Cheers. "Then let's do this! Pick a seat, don't be shy. No shoving now."

In the time lighting North made his way to the nearest seat and attempted to look around for his friends, Migos's smile would be a huge comfort about now, but instead, he spotted Blaise watching him intently from the VIP booth. He glared back, picking up his controller, he'd show Fury what he was really made of.

He turned the controller on like everyone else and the customization screen for his vehicle came on, he made speed and endurance a priority and chose a deep red for his colour.

"This is a very popular racing game to which Glitches has made a few...modifications. Race, get power-ups and take out other players. Pretty simple right?" A hologram of their race course came up and North could feel his heart stop. The course looked like something a toddler with a crayon would come up with. The pink haired lady grinned, "First person to the finish line gets an additional fifty points."

The lights in the arena flashed in time with the resounding cheers.

"I was so excited I forgot to introduce myself, Jenny Goldstein here at we're about to race in three! Two! Race!"

North flinched only slightly but he took offal soon as the virtual traffic lights turned green. He waited for a turn before he accelerated and watched as a few others crashed into the barrier in their haste.

He wasn't in the lea0d but he'd get there, looking at the digital map, he could tell this was going to be a very long race.

~Check point Reached !

~Achievement Unlocked: Now Let The Games Begin

~Flip Page To Next Level!